Because of Thylea’s lack of iron deposits, nearly all the native weapons and armor are forged from bronze, an alloy of copper and tin. In Thylea, bronze weapons are just as effective as their iron and steel counterparts. This is because the blacksmiths of Thylea have devised techniques to strengthen the bronze during the casting process. These techniques are closely-guarded secrets, which are passed down from master to apprentice. Legend holds that they were originally taught to the smiths of Estoria by the forge-god, Volkan.